Watch Now: New business (re)models Store owners make the most of closures – Times-News

Help support our COVID-19 coverage

We're providing access to COVID-19 articles for free. Please help support our work by subscribing or signing up for an account. Already a subscriber? Log in.

Dave Hansen, left, and his son Austin Hansen work on a new seating area Thursday at Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' in Twin Falls.

A new bar top has been installed at O'Dunkens Draught House Thursday in downtown Twin Falls.

New patio flooring has been put in place Thursday at Twin Falls Sandwich Co. in downtown Twin Falls.

Original flooring was found during the renovations to the theater, built in 1921, on Friday at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Twin Falls.

Downtown businesses have been keeping busy in spite of of COVID-19 closures by doing renovation projects in Twin Falls.

TWIN FALLS Sometimes even the darkest clouds have silver linings.

Magic Valley restaurants have lost huge sums of money because of COVID-19. Hundreds of food service workers have lost their jobs. Business wont return to normal for a long time if ever.

But there is one major benefit to shutting, or slowing, down business. Lots of business owners have done remodels to take advantage of their empty stores, and for some, theyve been able to do big projects that would have been more challenging under normal circumstances.

Financially it was the worst time, but as far as affecting customers it was the best time for sure, Twin Falls Sandwich Co. owner Shane Cook said. It took the entire time we were closed.

Owner Shane Cook stands over his new patio flooring Thursday at Twin Falls Sandwich Co. in downtown Twin Falls.

Many Twin Falls business owners have spent the past two months renovating their establishments, in some cases doing much of the work themselves or with the help of friends.

Cook said his business did a ton of deep cleaning, and also repainted, re-tiled and added new artwork by local artists to the walls.

Wed planned on doing it in two years, Cook said, noting that the restaurant is now brighter and more colorful.

Scooters Chillin-N-Grillin started working on major renovations even before Gov. Brad Little ordered restaurants to close. Manager Jamie Carlton said the restaurant decided to get a jump start since it was clear business was going to virtually disappear anyway.

See the original post here:
Watch Now: New business (re)models Store owners make the most of closures - Times-News